More Missing Animals: Two Emperor Tamarin Monkeys Stolen from the Dallas Zoo

The pair of emperor tamarin monkeys that have been missing from the Dallas Zoo since Monday afternoon have been found, according to reports from The Dallas Morning News and Rebecca Lopez of WFAA. At 6:05 p.m. The Morning News reported that the zoo spokeswoman  Kari Streiber confirmed the pair of monkeys was found in a closet in an abandoned home in Lancaster after receiving a tip. The monkeys were evaluated by veterinarians after being removed from the house. She also said further updates will be provided via social media on Wednesday.

On Monday afternoon the Dallas Zoo announced that two of its emperor tamarin monkeys were missing. In a statement, the zoo said foul play is likely involved, noting: “It was clear the habitat had been intentionally compromised.”

The pair of missing monkeys comes less than two weeks after Pin, the zoo’s 35-year-old lappet-faced vulture, was found dead under mysterious circumstances that authorities said did “not appear to be from natural causes.” Pin’s death occurred only days after a clouded leopard named Nova had escaped from its habitat through an opening that appeared to be manmade. Nova was found on zoo grounds later that day.

The zoo did not provide names or ages of the missing monkeys that were missing as of 4:30 p.m. Emperor tamarins are native to South America and have a distinctive appearance thanks to their wispy white beards. This unique attribute is something that reportedly makes them resemble the former King of Prussia, Wilhelm II, from which the “emperor” in its name comes from.

“Emperor tamarin monkeys would likely stay close to home,” the zoo’s statement said. “The zoo searched near their habitat and across zoo grounds, and did not locate them. Based on the Dallas Police Department’s initial assessment, they have reason to believe the tamarins were taken.”

Citing the active investigation, zoo officials did not provide additional information on Monday afternoon, but on Tuesday morning, the Dallas Police Department released a photo of a man they want to speak to about the disappearance.

“Dallas Police are looking for the public’s help in identifying the pictured individual. Detectives are looking to speak with the man in regard to the two tamarin monkeys missing from the Dallas Zoo. Anyone with information- call 214-671-4509,” the tweet stated.

Dallas Police are looking for the public’s help in identifying the pictured individual. Detectives are looking to speak with the man in regard to the two tamarin monkeys missing from the Dallas Zoo.
Anyone with information- call 214-671-4509. pic.twitter.com/VVvvHFAdgJ

— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) January 31, 2023